Metal recycling
How to Recycle Stainless Steel
Stainless steel appliances, sinks, cookware, and fixtures. A magnet is the grade-sorting tool here, not a universal test - 304 and 316 (the common consumer grades) are non-magnetic, while 430 and other 400-series stainless are magnetic.
RecyclableSS304 stainless (non-magnetic, the most common grade) runs about $0.30-$0.38/lb; 316 (also non-magnetic, contains molybdenum for better corrosion resistance) pays close to double, around $0.70-$0.75/lb; mixed or unsorted stainless prices lower, around $0.20-$0.28/lb (August 2026 scrap-yard boards).Updated Jul 2026
Quick answer
Yes, stainless steel is 100% recyclable, and its magnetism depends on the grade, not the material. Common 300-series stainless (304, 316 - sinks, appliances, water bottles) is non-magnetic; cheaper 400-series stainless (430, 410 - some trim and cutlery) sticks to a magnet like regular steel. Keep it separate from carbon steel and take it to a scrap yard: 304 pays roughly $0.30-$0.38/lb and 316 (it contains molybdenum) close to double that, around $0.75/lb, as of August 2026.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Recycling code
- SS
- Typical value
- 304 stainless (non-magnetic, the most common grade) runs about $0.30-$0.38/lb; 316 (also non-magnetic, contains molybdenum for better corrosion resistance) pays close to double, around $0.70-$0.75/lb; mixed or unsorted stainless prices lower, around $0.20-$0.28/lb (August 2026 scrap-yard boards).
How to Prepare
- 1
